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Confused about the differences between a double wall oven vs an oven microwave combo?
You’re not alone! Both appliances have similarities, which can make choosing between them challenging.
But don’t worry; I’m here to help!
Double-wall ovens have a larger capacity and are ideal for big families who want to save time by multitasking. On the other hand, oven microwave combos reduce countertop clutter, are great for reheating food, and are ideal for smaller families.
Read on to make the right choice for your home.
Double Oven vs Oven Microwave Combo: 5 Differences
To help you choose the oven that best fits your needs, I’ve prepared a quick guide highlighting the main differences between double wall ovens and oven microwave combos.
#1 Needs
My usual advice when choosing between a double wall oven and an oven and microwave combo is to consider your needs.
Both ovens can look very similar, but they’re ideal for different lifestyles. Do you:
- Prefer to eat out or to cook your meals?
- Go to your family for the holidays or do they come to you?
- Have a big family home or a compact, quaint kitchen?
Considering the answers to the questions above will help you make the right choice. Here are some comparisons that will help:
| Double Wall Oven | Oven and Microwave Combo |
| Ideal for a large family. | Perfect for a small family. |
| Great for those who often entertain. | The combination of appliances helps to save space in smaller kitchens. |
| An awesome choice for those who love cooking and experimenting with different dishes. |
Are you part of a busy family that loves to cook and entertain? Then a double wall oven will be the right choice for you. It has two separate ovens that will allow you to cook different dishes at different temperatures at the same time.
But don’t forget; every kitchen needs a microwave! So a simple countertop microwave should be the perfect way to complete your kitchen.
Are you trying to save space in your kitchen and don’t mind shelling out a few extra hundred bucks for a more expensive alternative? Then an oven and microwave combo is the appliance for you. The ovens in a double oven with microwave above are ideally sized for small families. Their design helps to keep everything in one place.
#2 Space Saving
In my experience, considering your kitchen space is also essential when choosing between a double wall vs oven microwave combo (also known as a double oven with microwave).
It seems like there’s never enough countertop space in the kitchen, especially if you are making a large meal with a couple of side dishes. Choosing the right kitchen appliances can open up a whole world of space.
But which will help you save more space? Take a look.
| Double Wall Oven | Oven and Microwave Combo |
| Puts the ovens in a convenient space between your cupboard units. | Takes the microwave off the countertop, freeing up space. |
| You will still need to buy a microwave separately. You won’t gain any countertop space. | Puts the oven in a convenient space between your cupboard units. |
| The double oven could be a space hogger in smaller kitchens. | Keeps the oven and microwave in one area. |
Do you need more room in the kitchen? An oven and microwave combo will help free up more space on your countertop and give you more room for meal preparation.
#3 Versatility
Now, let’s compare double wall ovens with oven & microwave combos regarding versatility.
I find that choosing a versatile oven is a great way to save time and avoid getting stressed during holiday parties.
Check out the following table to learn which oven is more versatile:
| Double Wall Oven | Oven and Microwave Combo |
| It gives you more space for baking and allows you to cook more intricate meals. | You can cook meals in the oven and reheat simple meals at the same time in the microwave. |
| You’ll have the flexibility to cook a roast in one oven and a pie in the other. | |
| You could get twice as much cooked at record speed! |
In my opinion, a double wall oven is the best choice for entertainers. You can get twice as much cooked at once and at different temperatures.
#4 Quick Food Prep
When comparing a double oven with microwave vs a double wall oven, I also recommend considering the cooking times.
| Double Wall Oven | Oven and Microwave Combo |
| Preheating the oven takes longer because it’s larger | The ovens are more compact so they preheat quickly |
| You have to defrost or reheat your food in a separate microwave oven | You can defrost, warm, roast, and bake your meals in one place. |
| Reheat small meals at the speed of a microwave but with the quality of an oven. |
Are you looking for an oven that does it all? Then an oven and microwave combo is the best option for you. Save energy moving around the kitchen by having everything you need in one place.
#5 Price
Now, let’s talk about the price of double wall and microwave double ovens.
Double wall ovens range from $1500 to over $5000. However, it’s worth mentioning that if you buy a double wall oven, you can spend most of your budget there and get a cheap $50 microwave from a department store. You can easily replace the microwave with another $50 if it breaks down.
Oven and microwave combos, on the other hand, can also be expensive to buy, and if the microwave fails, the oven can be done for too, and vice versa. So, in the event of anything breaking down, you’ll be left ovenless and with a high repair bill to pay.
FAQs: Double Wall Ovens vs Oven & Microwave Combos
Now, let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about double wall ovens and oven & microwave combos.
How Many Years Does a Double Oven Last?
Double ovens can last up to 15 years. However, keep in mind that the lifespan will vary depending on the brand and the frequency of use and maintenance.
Check out our oven maintenance & care guide to extend its life span and save up to $1700 on repairs!
How Long Do Oven & Microwave Combos Last?
A well-maintained double oven microwave combo lasts about seven years. However, some models can last longer, while others must be replaced sooner.
The lifespan of your oven will vary depending on its brand and model, frequency of use, and maintenance.
How Do I Know When My Oven Needs Replacing?
If your oven is more than 10–15 years old, doesn’t heat evenly, takes longer to preheat, has rusted inside, or requires repairs that cost more than a new oven, it’s time to consider replacing it.
What Type of Oven Is Best for Home Baking?
When it comes to baking, a double wall oven is considered a better option than an oven & microwave combo because it offers a larger capacity and more precise temperature control.
Final Verdict: Double Wall Oven or Oven & Microwave Combo?
Hopefully, now you know all the differences between a double wall oven vs a double oven microwave combo.
Here’s a quick summary of everything we’ve discussed so far:
| Double Wall Oven | Oven and Microwave Combo |
| Conveniently located | Reduce countertop clutter |
| Bigger capacity for bakers | Simplify meal prep |
| Room to cook 3-course meals | Great for reheating food |
| Ideal for the holidays | Quick to preheat |
| Save time by multitasking | Make small meals quickly |
The ultimate decision comes down to how often you’ll use the oven and how many people you usually cook for. I hope this article has helped you choose the right oven based on how you cook.
Please check out our other free guides if you found this article helpful. You could even sign up for our email list!
Have a great day!
—Craig.
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